Designed by the multi-disciplinary design team featuring John Thompson and Partners (JTP), Alan Dunlop Architects, and Gillespies, their proposal for the international tourist destination and ecological seaside resort on the Dapeng Peninsula made the final shortlist in the competition. Their design concept draws inspiration from the beauty, tranquillity and characteristics of the siteand learning lessons from examples and exemplars both in China and internationally. More images and architects’ description after the break.

Organized by the Binhai Authority of Shenzhen, the project for a 150-hectare seaside resort in Shenzhen created an international tourist destination and ecological seaside resort on the Dapeng Peninsula. The brief called for designs which work with the existing terrain and ecological conditions of the area and sought to establish a major conservation zone for ecological and biological resources. A demonstration area for China’s marine and scientific development industries was also planned.

Resort developments exist across a spectrum from remote, low density, highly exclusive hotel resorts to mass appeal seaside cities with towering apartment blocks jostling with each other for a sea view. Our research indicated and we believe that there is room for an alternative resort offering – where the quality and distinctiveness of the environment, the authenticity of the experience and the unique sense of place – attracts the visitor or investor back time and again.